St. Louis CITY hires local soccer dignitaries Twellman, Renken, Kafedzic
St. Louis’ new MLS club will leave no local stone unturned in its search for local on-field talent.
St. Louis CITY SC has hired three dignitaries in the St. Louis soccer scene — Tim Twellman, Charles Renken and Elvir Kafedzic — as consultants who will support CITY sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel with on-field operations, focusing on local prospects.
“There is so much homegrown talent in St. Louis, and St. Louis CITY SC is committed to incorporating that into our on-field talent,” Pfannenstiel said. “We’re bringing three incredible local soccer experts to the team with decades of experience as both professional soccer players and coaches. It’s amazing having Tim, Charles and Elvir to help establish meaningful relationships with soccer organizations throughout the region and scout and analyze local talent across all levels.”
Twellman runs the Twellman Soccer Academy in St. Louis and is the longtime Villa Duchesne High School head coach. He played a combined 10 years in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League. His son, Taylor Twellman, is a soccer analyst for ESPN.
Renken, a product of Metro United in Illinois and Scott Gallagher Soccer Club in St. Louis, had a nine-year playing career in MLS, USL (including Saint Louis FC) and Bundesliga, Germany‘s top soccer division. He has spent the last five years coaching for various St. Louis soccer clubs, including Washington University, Club Atletico and St. Louis Scott Gallagher.
Kafedzic, who helped Lindenwood win an NAIA championship, has played for a number of local pro soccer clubs, including the St. Louis Strikers, St. Louis Steamers and St. Louis Ambush, as well as the Chicago Storm and California Cougars. He also played internationally for the US National Futsal team. Kafedzic established the Saint Louis Dragons youth soccer club in 2013.
The expansion club is scheduled to begin play in 2023.
